Nautor Swan 53, GAIA

Broker’s Comments

All the best artists have their signature – chefs, painters, sculptors, and even yacht designers. The trained eye from afar can tell who the designer is – Rod Johnson, Dubois, and the iconic Frers. Frers has that special touch. Nothing extreme, not following fashions, just a stylish, well-proportioned design that does not age.

The beautifully proportioned Frers-designed Swan 53-2 follows this trait and is instantly recognizable by her stunning lines as both a Frers design and a Swan.

Also known as the Swan 53 Mark II, these yachts were built in a limited run of only 20 units from 2005 to 2009 before transitioning into the less powerful Swan 54. Therefore, the 53-2 is more sought after by experienced and enthusiastic sailors, and it is equally favored by the IRC handicap rule. The honors it has garnered in its genre against more purpose-built racing yachts are truly impressive.

Outside the racecourse, the spacious deck layout and interior provide incredible comfort during cruising. The owner’s cabin is impeccably appointed, as one would expect from a Swan, featuring an oversized head and plenty of storage, ideal for extended passages or even for living aboard.

The strong and reliable construction from Nautor is, of course, taken as a given, providing the building blocks of confidence and reliability when traveling further afield. The performance mirrors the design – robust yet not extreme. Passage planning at 10 knots would be effortless, with no fear of tripping up or becoming overpowered. It’s a true sailor’s yacht.

GAIA is hull #2, launched in 2005. She was highly specified by her first owner and has been enhanced ever since.

With her current upgrades and configuration, she is incredibly easy to sail short-handed or even single-handed, thanks to her furling boom and electric-powered winches. The Reckmann headsail furling leads back to the powered winches on the port side. She is set up with Gennakers on a bowsprit and has a lightly used racing jib and Code 0, which is brilliant for long legs when cruising and easily furled when not in use. Zeus plotters at each helm and also at the navigation station make standing watch a breeze.

Maneuvering is very simple with a 4-bladed propeller at the stern and an electric bow thruster, along with superb visibility from the twin helms.

She is only in her 3rd ownership and has benefited from a large and recent refit, bringing the yacht back to zero hours for the next owner. The list of improvements is impressive.

2023 Refit

• Teak replacement on coachroof and cockpit (heavy traffic area), with a refresh on the side decks.
• New standing and running rigging.
• Repainting of mast and boom in black.
• Wiring replaced in mast and boom.
• Rudder bearings and steering cables replaced.
• New electric stove.
• Repainting of the hull topsides in Majestic Blue, with white stripes.
• New lithium service battery bank with new inverter and chargers, interfaces with 6 new solar panels.
• New B&G electronics including CPU, sensors and Zeus chartplotters.

She has travelled to the Caribbean, and has now returned to lie for sale in Valencia, close to a major International airport and in guardiennage with a highly experienced skipper.

She is a stunning yacht, with a full refit for the next owner to enjoy sensational performance and luxurious living.

Sales Video